Inhibition of Mitosis by Surfactants

Abstract

The effects of surface-active agents on mitosis was studied by applying 22 compounds, including representatives of the four major ionogenic classes, to a standardized pea root meristem test system.
Mitosis was inhibited by 16 surfactants at 0.1% v/v; the ionogenic type appeared to be unimportant. Two surfactants caused a slight depression of the mitotic index; the remaining four had no recognizable effect.
Ten surfactants (nonionic, anionic, and cationic) were toxic at 0.1% v/v. Of the six known biodegradable surfactants tested, five were toxic at 0.1% v/v.